1 Chronicles 2:20

KJV

And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hur {H2354} begat {H3205} Uri {H221}, and Uri {H221} begat {H3205} Bezaleel {H1212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hur fathered Uri, and Uri fathered B'tzal'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Hur was the father of Uri, and Uri was the father of Bezalel.

American Standard Version

And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezalel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:20, a concise entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah, meticulously records the lineage of Hur, Uri, and most notably, Bezaleel. This seemingly brief statement is profoundly significant, serving as a vital link that anchors the post-exilic community to their foundational history, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving specific bloodlines and His divine pattern of equipping individuals with extraordinary gifts for the accomplishment of His sacred purposes, particularly in the construction of the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles opens with a sweeping genealogical account, beginning with Adam and meticulously tracing the lineage through the patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel. This extensive record, far from being a mere list of names, served a crucial theological and historical purpose for the post-exilic community, re-establishing their identity, tribal claims, and connection to God's covenant promises. Chapter 2 specifically focuses on the descendants of Judah, the royal tribe from which King David and, ultimately, the Messiah would emerge. Within this lengthy and detailed enumeration of Judah's progeny, [1 Chronicles 2:20](/1_chronicles/2-20 "1 Chronicles 2:20 - Bezaleel's Lineage") serves as a pivotal link. It connects the lineage of Hur, a figure associated with Moses and Aaron during the Exodus, directly to Bezaleel, the divinely gifted craftsman responsible for the Tabernacle's construction. This inclusion highlights not just lineage but also divine appointment and the continuity of God's work across generations, even within a vast genealogical record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, functioning as legal documents that established tribal identity, validated claims to land inheritance (as outlined in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Allotment")), confirmed eligibility for priestly service (e.g., [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priestly Lineage Verification")), and traced the royal line leading to the promised Messiah. For the post-exilic community, for whom 1 Chronicles was primarily written, these records were essential for rebuilding their national and religious identity after the Babylonian exile. They provided a tangible link to their past, assuring them of God's faithfulness despite their displacement and reaffirming their place in God's covenant plan. The mention of Bezaleel, a figure from the foundational Exodus narrative, would have resonated deeply, connecting their present circumstances to the miraculous beginnings of their nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, illustrating God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign plan in maintaining specific bloodlines. Even seemingly minor entries in these genealogies confirm the continuity of God's people and the steadfastness of His promises through generations, particularly the Davidic covenant which culminates in the Messiah. Secondly, the prominent mention of Bezaleel highlights the theme of **God's Gifting for Service**. Bezaleel is not merely another name in a list but a divinely appointed and uniquely gifted craftsman, specifically "filled with the Spirit of God" for the sacred task of building the Tabernacle, as detailed in [Exodus 31:3-5](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3-5 - Bezaleel Filled with the Spirit"). His inclusion here emphasizes God's consistent pattern of raising up and equipping individuals with specific talents and abilities for particular tasks within His grand redemptive design, demonstrating that all true skill for God's work originates from Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bezaleel (Hebrew, _Bĕtsal'el'_):** This name is profoundly significant, meaning "in the shadow of God" or "in the protection of God." This etymology perfectly encapsulates his divine appointment and the extraordinary skill he possessed. It signifies that his abilities were not merely human talent but a direct, supernatural endowment from God for the sacred work of the Tabernacle. The name itself points to the divine source and protection under which he operated, emphasizing his unique empowerment by the Holy Spirit for the intricate work of sacred craftsmanship, as described in [Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezaleel's Divine Empowerment").
* **Hur (Hebrew, _Ḥûr'_):** While the verse only states he "begat Uri," Hur himself is a notable figure in the Exodus narrative. He is mentioned alongside Aaron as supporting Moses' hands during the battle against Amalek ([Exodus 17:10-12](/exodus/17-10 "Exodus 17:10-12 - Hur and Aaron Support Moses")), and was entrusted with authority in Moses' absence ([Exodus 24:14](/exodus/24-14 "Exodus 24:14 - Hur's Authority in Moses' Absence")). His inclusion here connects Bezaleel's lineage to a respected and prominent figure directly involved in the foundational events of Israel's history, adding weight and historical depth to Bezaleel's ancestral line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hur begat Uri":** This clause establishes the immediate paternal link to Uri. Hur, as noted in the Key Word Analysis, was a significant figure in the Exodus generation, part of the tribe of Judah. His presence in this genealogy underscores the importance of the Judahite line from its earliest stages in Israel's national life. The Chronicler's inclusion of such specific details within the genealogies highlights the meticulous nature of God's providential care over the generations and the preservation of key families.
* **"and Uri begat Bezaleel":** This second clause is the climax of the verse, introducing Bezaleel, a figure of immense importance from the wilderness generation. Uri, meaning "my light" or "fiery," serves as the direct link to this divinely gifted individual. The emphasis shifts from the general lineage to the specific individual whose life and work had profound implications for Israel's worship and the manifestation of God's presence among His people. The brevity of the statement belies the magnitude of Bezaleel's role, inviting the reader to recall his detailed commission in the book of Exodus.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:20, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list but a highly structured and purposeful literary form. It serves to establish **Legitimacy** (of tribal claims, leadership, and the Davidic monarchy), demonstrate **Divine Faithfulness** (God's preservation of His covenant people through generations), and trace the **Messianic Line** (pointing ultimately to Christ). The Chronicler employs **Compression** and **Conciseness**, packing vast historical and theological significance into a few names. While the verse itself is brief, it acts as a **Focal Point** within the broader genealogical flow, drawing attention to Bezaleel, a figure whose unique divine empowerment for sacred service stands out. This subtle highlighting of Bezaleel within the lineage of Judah also functions as a form of **Typology**, subtly foreshadowing the ultimate Builder of God's dwelling, Christ, and the spiritual temple of the Church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:20, though a simple genealogical entry, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign involvement in human history. It underscores His faithfulness in preserving specific lineages, not for their own sake, but for the unfolding of His grand redemptive plan. The inclusion of Bezaleel highlights that God's purposes are accomplished not only through kings and priests but also through those gifted for practical service, demonstrating that all gifts, when consecrated to God, contribute to His kingdom. This verse reminds us that God's work spans generations, and even seemingly ordinary individuals within a lineage play a part in His extraordinary design, reflecting His enduring commitment to His covenant promises.

* [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezaleel's Divine Call and Empowerment")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship for Good Works")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Calling Are Irrevocable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even the most concise entries in biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 2:20, hold profound spiritual truths for contemporary believers. This verse invites us to consider God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in orchestrating history, not just for nations and leaders, but for every individual within His grand narrative. It reminds us that our lives, our heritage, and our unique gifts are not accidental but are woven into God's purposeful design. Just as Bezaleel was divinely equipped for a specific, sacred task, so too are believers today empowered by the Holy Spirit with diverse talents and spiritual gifts for the building up of God's kingdom. This verse calls us to recognize, cultivate, and faithfully steward these God-given abilities, understanding that our contributions, no matter how seemingly small, are vital to God's ongoing work in the world. It encourages us to trust in God's enduring faithfulness, knowing that He meticulously preserves His people and fulfills His word across countless generations, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous preservation of lineage, as seen in this verse, impact your view of His sovereignty over your own life and the generations that precede and follow you?**
* **In what ways do you see God's "gifting for service" manifested in your own life or in the lives of others around you? How can you better steward these gifts for His glory and the good of His church?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you draw from the truth that God's plans unfold across generations, often through seemingly ordinary individuals, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple critical purposes beyond simply listing names. In ancient Israel, they were vital legal and historical documents that established tribal identity, validated claims to land inheritance, confirmed eligibility for priestly service, and traced the royal line. For the post-exilic community, for whom 1 Chronicles was written, these genealogies were crucial for re-establishing their national and religious identity after the Babylonian exile. They provided a tangible link to their past, assuring them of God's faithfulness despite their displacement and reaffirming their place in God's covenant plan, particularly highlighting the lineage of Judah from which the Davidic kings and ultimately the Messiah would come. They demonstrate God's meticulous care in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises through generations, as seen in the detailed records of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies").

**What was Bezaleel's specific role, and why is he highlighted in this genealogy?**

Answer: Bezaleel's specific role was monumental: he was the chief craftsman divinely appointed and empowered by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and all its intricate furnishings during the Exodus. [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezaleel's Divine Appointment") states that the Lord "filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." He was responsible for the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the anointing oil, and the priestly garments, among other sacred items. He is highlighted in this genealogy not merely as another name but as a testament to God's pattern of raising up and equipping individuals with extraordinary, Spirit-given talents for specific, sacred tasks. His inclusion in the Judahite lineage emphasizes that even those gifted for practical, artistic service are integral to God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His presence among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 2:20 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, the meticulous preservation of the Judahite lineage, culminating in Bezaleel, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preserving the line through which the Messiah would come. Jesus Christ is the ultimate descendant of Judah, the King who fulfills the Davidic covenant and establishes an eternal kingdom ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Secondly, Bezaleel, filled with the Spirit of God to build a physical dwelling for God's presence, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Jesus is the true Builder of God's spiritual temple, the Church ([Hebrews 3:3-6](/hebrews/3-3 "Hebrews 3:3-6 - Christ Greater than Moses")), the one in whom God's full presence dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The Spirit that empowered Bezaleel for sacred craftsmanship is the same Holy Spirit poured out on believers through Christ, empowering them to be living stones in God's spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in God's Spiritual House")) and to build up the body of Christ with their diverse gifts ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for Building Up the Body")). Thus, this verse, by highlighting a divinely gifted builder in ancient Israel, ultimately directs our gaze to the divine Architect and Builder of our salvation, Jesus Christ, and the spiritual dwelling He establishes through His Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 31:2

See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

Exodus 36:1

¶ Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.

Exodus 36:2

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, [even] every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

2 Chronicles 1:5

Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.

Exodus 37:1

¶ And Bezaleel made the ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [was] the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

Exodus 38:22

And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.